Columbia Regional Business Report
www.columbiabusinessreport.com
Staff Report 

McEntire Produce, a produce processor, repacker and wholesaler, Tuesday announced it will invest $5 million to expand its current operations in Richland County.

The investment is expected to generate 85 new jobs.

“It’s exciting for us to be able to increase our footprint in Richland County. The Midlands have been home to the company for more than seven decades and South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment,” said Carter McEntire, COO of McEntire Produce Inc.

McEntire Produce will add a state-of-the-art water filtration system as part of its expansion, which is expected to be complete in the first half of 2013.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set-aside grant of $100,000 for a water pretreatment facility.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $292 million in capital investment and more than 1,400 jobs in the agribusiness sector.

“South Carolina has a long history in agribusiness and it’s one of our key wealth-creating industries. Today’s announcement is another indication that sector is still thriving,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said.

The company currently employs approximately 400 people at its 163,000-square-foot facility in Columbia, which was built in 2006.

“McEntire Produce has a long and proud history of operating a successful business in Columbia. … Our home grown companies continue to strengthen our regional and state economy by employing thousands of local citizens,” Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple said.

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in 2013. Anyone interested in job opportunities should contact Thomas Galloway at 803-744-2875.